Value contribution of cenobamate for the treatment of Focal-Onset Seizures (FOS) in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in Spain through reflective Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA).

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. The main goal of its treatment is to achieve seizure freedom without intolerable adverse effects. However, despite the availability of many anti-seizure medications, including the latest options, called third-generation anti-seizure medications (ASMs), approximately 40% of people with epilepsy present drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Cenobamate is the first ASM approved in Spain for the adjunctive treatment of Focal-Onset Seizures (FOS) in adult patients with DRE. In a chronic disease with a portfolio of available ASMs, the decision to introduce a new therapeutic alternative must follow a holistic evaluation of value provided. Reflective Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodology allows to determine the value contribution of a treatment in a given indication considering all relevant criteria for healthcare decision-making in a transparent and systematic manner from the perspective of relevant stakeholders. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the relative value contribution of cenobamate in the treatment of FOS in patients with DRE compared with third-generation ASMs using reflective MCDA-based methodology. METHODS: A systematic literature review (combining biomedical databases and grey literature sources) was performed to populate the Evidence and Value: Impact on DEcisionMaking (EVIDEM) MCDA framework adapted to determine what represents value in the management of FOS in patients with DRE in Spain. The study was conducted in two phases. The first took place in 2021 with a multi-stakeholder group of eight participants. The second phase was conducted in 2022 with a multi-stakeholder group of 32 participants. Participants were trained in MCDA methodology and scored four evidence matrices (cenobamate vs. brivaracetam, vs. perampanel, vs. lacosamide and vs. eslicarbazepine acetate). Results were analyzed and discussed in a group meeting through reflective MCDA discussion methodology. RESULTS: DRE is considered a very severe condition associated with many important unmet needs, mainly with regard to the lack of more effective treatments to achieve the ultimate goal of treatment. Compared to third-generation ASMs, cenobamate is perceived to have a better efficacy profile based on improvements in responder rate and seizure freedom. Regarding safety, it is considered to have a similar profile to alternatives and a positive quality-of-life profile. Cenobamate results in lower direct medical costs (excluding pharmacological) and indirect costs. Overall, cenobamate is regarded as providing a high therapeutic impact and supported by high-quality evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Based on reflective MCDA methodology and stakeholders' experience in clinical management of epilepsy in Spain, cenobamate is perceived as a value-added option for the treatment of patients with DRE when compared with third-generation ASMs.

Telemedicine informatics application for nutritional support surveillance of instutionalized persons in nursing homes from a hospital pharmacy service.

INTRODUCTION: Institutionalized patients who require nutrition support regularly visit the Unit of Nutrition Support of the Hospital Pharmacy  Service. During these visits, prior to establishing a nutrition regime and  followup scheme, an initial nutritional status assessment is performed.  Telemedicine and Telepharmacy have expanded in recent years for remote  monitoring of institutionalized persons. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of a Telemedicine informatics application for nutritional support surveillance of instutionalized  persons in nursing homes from a hospital pharmacy service. Method: A multidisciplinary team led by the Hospital Pharmacy Service was  created. Data of institutionalized persons in nursing homes needing artificial  nutritional support was extracted from the SILICON prescription system and  the internal ecords of the hospital pharmacy service. Nursing homes were  selected on the basis of their previous experience using the Telemedicine  informatics application TELEA. The following nutritional  support variables were  assessed: score on Mini-Nutritional Assessment questionnaire; a 24-h  food record; pressure ulcer control; and laboratory parameters. The existing  information flow between nursing homes and hospital specialists was analyzed.  The functionalities available on TELEA were considered. RESULTS: In 2021, over 300 institutionalized persons from 28 nursing homes  were incluided for nutritional support surveillance program of the hospital  pharmacy service. The project was implemented in two nursing homes serving  38 patients, although only 13 were involved in the nutrition surveillance  program of the Nutrition Support Unit. Nutritional status assessment and  nutritional support surveillance reports were adapted to the Telemedicine  informatics application. Paper reports were replaced  with electronic data or  online questionnaires available on the informatics application. An information  flow protocol was established. An instantaneous messaging and alert system  was activated, which allowed continuous communication. Some Telepharmacy  requests were categorized as preferential when the clinical status of the patient  so required. All the information generated during the nutritional status  assessment and nutritional support surveillance process was integrated into  the electronic medical history of each patient. CONCLUSIONS: TELEA-based nutritional support surveillance facilitates the  continuum of care by enabling direct communication between nursing homes  and secondary care for institutionalized persons. This model makes it possible  to record nutrition-related data on the electronic medical history of patients  through a Telepharmacy process. This model also eliminates paper  prescriptions and medical reports, and unnecessary travels. A nutritional status  profile should also be made available to facilitate nutrition surveillance in institutionalized persons with chronic diseases. That  would be the first step for a new integrated healthcare informatics application  for frail/polymorbid elderly patients.

Introducción: Los pacientes institucionalizados que requieren soporte  nutricional artificial acuden de forma periódica a las consultas de la Unidad de  Soporte Nutricional del Servicio de Farmacia. En ellas se realiza una  valoración nutricional inicial, a partir de la cual se establece la pauta nutricional  y el plan de seguimiento. La Telemedicina y la Telefarmacia se han  expandido en los últimos años para la monitorización remota de personas  institucionalizadas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la implementación de una aplicación informática de Telemedicina para la vigilancia del soporte nutricional de personas  nstitucionalizadas en residencias de ancianos desde un servicio de farmacia hospitalaria.Método: Se formó un equipo multidisciplinar liderado por el Servicio de Farmacia. Los datos de pacientes institucionalizados que requieren soporte nutricional artificial se obtuvieron del programa SILICON y de los  registros internos del Servicio de Farmacia. Se eligieron las primeras  residencias candidatas según la experiencia previa en el manejo de la  aplicación informática de asistencia domiciliaria. Se analizaron llas variables de  soporte nutricional necesarias para el seguimiento nutricional: Mini  Nutritional Assessment, recordatorio de ingestas de las últimas 24 horas,  control de úlceras por presión y parámetros analíticos. Se analizó el flujo de  información existente entre las residencias sociosanitarias y la atención  hospitalaria y se valoraron las opciones disponibles a través de la plataforma  tecnológica de asistencia domiciliaria. RESULTADOS: El Servicio de Farmacia realizó seguimiento nutricional a más de  300 pacientes institucionalizados en 28 residencias sociosanitarias en el año  2021. El proyecto se implantó en dos residencias sociosanitarias que cuentan  con 38 pacientes institucionalizados, aunque solo 13 pacientes estaban en  seguimiento por la Unidad de Soporte Nutricional. Todos los registros  generados en la valoración y seguimiento nutricional se adecuaron a la  aplicación informática de asistencia domiciliaria, se cambiaron los registros en  papel por información incluida en la plataforma o cuestionarios online  facilitados a través de la misma. Además, se protocolizó el flujo de información  generada y se activó un sistema de mensajería con alertas que  permite una comunicación continua. En caso de que la situación clínica  del  paciente lo requiera se puede programar una teleconsulta preferente.Toda la  información generada en el proceso de valoración y seguimientonutricional de  cada paciente se integró en la historia clínica electrónica. CONCLUSIONES: El seguimiento nutricional a través de la aplicación informática de asistencia domiciliaria facilita la continuidad asistencial por el establecimiento de una comunicación directa entre las residencias  sociosanitarias y la atención hospitalaria, permitiendo la integración de la  información nutricional de los pacientes en la historia clínica electrónica  mediante un proceso de Telefarmacia. Se han eliminado las prescripciones en  papel, informes clínicos impresos y los desplazamientos innecesarios. El  desarrollo de este perfil podría ser extensible al seguimiento nutricional de  pacientes con patologías crónicas, y ser el precedente de un nuevo programa  de cuidado integral del paciente anciano frágil o pluripatológico.

Aplicación informática de Telemedicina parala vigilancia del soporte nutricional de personas institucionalizadas en residencias de ancianos desde un servicio de farmacia hospitalaria / Telemedicine informatics application for nutritional support surveillance of instutionalized persons in nursing homes from a hospital pharmacy service

Introducción: Los pacientes institucionalizados que requieren soporte nutricional artificial acuden de forma periódica a las consultas de la Unidad deSoporte Nutricional del Servicio de Farmacia. En ellas se realiza una valoración nutricional inicial, a partir de la cual se establece la pauta nutricional y elplan de seguimiento. La Telemedicina y la Telefarmacia se han expandido enlos últimos años para la monitorización remota de personas institucionalizadas.Objetivo: Evaluar la implementación de una aplicación informática deTelemedicina para la vigilancia del soporte nutricional de personas institucionalizadas en residencias de ancianos desde un servicio de farmaciahospitalaria.Método: Se formó un equipo multidisciplinar liderado por el Servicio deFarmacia. Los datos de pacientes institucionalizados que requieren soportenutricional artificial se obtuvieron del programa SILICON y de los registrosinternos del Servicio de Farmacia. Se eligieron las primeras residenciascandidatas según la experiencia previa en el manejo de la aplicación informática de asistencia domiciliaria. Se analizaron llas variables de soportenutricional necesarias para el seguimiento nutricional: Mini NutritionalAssessment, recordatorio de ingestas de las últimas 24 horas, control deúlceras por presión y parámetros analíticos. Se analizó el flujo de información existente entre las residencias sociosanitarias y la atención hospitalariay se valoraron las opciones disponibles a través de la plataforma tecnológica de asistencia domiciliaria.Resultados: El Servicio de Farmacia realizó seguimiento nutricional amás de 300 pacientes institucionalizados en 28 residencias sociosanitariasen el año 2021. (AU)

Introduction: Institutionalized patients who require nutrition supportregularly visit the Unit of Nutrition Support of the Hospital Pharmacy Service. During these visits, prior to establishing a nutrition regime and followup scheme, an initial nutritional status assessment is performed. Telemedicine and Telepharmacy have expanded in recent years for remotemonitoring of institutionalized persons.Objective: To evaluate the implementation of a Telemedicine informaticsapplication for nutritional support surveillance of instutionalized persons innursing homes from a hospital pharmacy service.Method: A multidisciplinary team led by the Hospital Pharmacy Servicewas created. Data of institutionalized persons in nursing homes needingartificial nutritional support was extracted from the SILICON prescriptionsystem and the internal ecords of the hospital pharmacy service. Nursing homes were selected on the basis of their previous experience usingthe Telemedicine informatics application TELEA. The following nutritional support variables were assessed: score on Mini-Nutritional Assessmentquestionnaire; a 24-h food record; pressure ulcer control; and laboratoryparameters. The existing information flow between nursing homes andhospital specialists was analyzed. The functionalities available on TELEAwere considered.Results: In 2021, over 300 institutionalized persons from 28 nursinghomes were incluided for nutritional support surveillance program of thehospital pharmacy service. The project was implemented in two nursinghomes serving 38 patients, although only 13 were involved in the nutrition surveillance program of the Nutrition Support Unit. Nutritional statusassessment and nutritional support surveillance reports were adapted tothe Telemedicine informatics application. (AU)

Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the Consumption of Antibiotics in an Atlantic European Region during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

The increasing concern about bacterial resistance has made the rational prescription of antibiotics even more urgent. The non-pharmacological measures established to reduce the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have modified the epidemiology of pediatric infections and, consequently, the use of antibiotics. Interrupted time series (ITS) analyses are quasi-experimental studies that allow for the estimation of causal effects with observational data in "natural experiments", such as changes in health policies or pandemics. The effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the incidence of infectious diseases and the use of antibiotics between 2018 and 2020 in the Health Area of Vigo (Galicia, Spain) was quantified and analyzed. This paper outlines a real-world data study with administrative records from primary care services provided for the pediatric population. The records were related to episodes classified as infectious by the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2) and oral medication in the therapeutic subgroup J01, corresponding to antibiotics for systemic use, according to the World Health Organization's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. The records were classified according to incident episodes, age, dose per inhabitant, and year. Segmented regression models were applied using an algorithm that automatically identifies the number and position of the change points. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the number of infectious diseases being transmitted between individuals, through the air and through the fecal-oral route, significantly decreased, and a slight decrease in infections transmitted via other mechanisms (urinary tract infections) was also found. In parallel, during the months of the pandemic, there has been a marked and significant reduction in antibacterial agent utilization, mainly of penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides.

Evaluación de la adherencia al tratamiento con antipsicóticos inyectables de liberación prolongada dentro de un programa de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico / Assessment of adherence to treatment with injectable extended-release antipsychotics within a pharmacotherapeutic follow-up program

Objetivo: Describir un programa de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico de antipsicóticos inyectables de liberación prolongada y evaluar la adherencia de los pacientes incluidos. Método: Se describe un programa de prescripción electrónica, validación y dispensación de antipsicóticos a salud mental y centros de salud, coordinado entre farmacia de hospital y de atención primaria. La adherencia al tratamiento se evaluó mediante un estudio prospectivo, observacional y transversal de un mes realizado en un área sanitaria a más de 500.000 habitantes, en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes en tratamiento con un antipsicótico inyectable de liberación prolongada. Las variables recogidas fueron: medicamento administrado, frecuencia de admi nis tra ción, centro de administración y si el paciente acudía o no a la administración, considerando que acudía si lo hacía en ± 7 días. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 919 pacientes y 1.073 consultas programadas. En la recogida de datos participaron 11 unidades de salud mental y 40 centros de salud. En un 95,7% (1.027) de los casos, los pacientes acudieron a la administración del antipsicótico inyectable de liberación prolongada. No se encontraron diferencias en la adherencia entre los medicamentos ni entre frecuencias de administración, pero sí con respecto al centro donde se administraba el medicamento (unidades de salud mental frente a centros de salud), presentando una ligera mayor adherencia los pacientes de las unidades de salud mental (97,6% frente al 91,1%; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La elevada adherencia conseguida revela que el programa de seguimiento descrito es efectivo. En el futuro son necesarios estudios de mayor duración que confirmen esta tendencia

Objective: To describe an injectable extended-release antipsychotic pharmacotherapeutic follow-up program and to assess adherence among patients included in the program. Method: A coordinated program is described involving hospital and primary care pharmacy, which included electronic prescription, reviewing, and dispensing of injectable antipsychotic agents in mental health and primary health care centers. Adherence to treatment was assessed in a 1-month prospective observational cross-sectional study which included all patients under treatment with injectable extended-release antipsychotics in a health area of more than 500,000 inhabitants. The variables collected were: medication administered, frequency of administration, administration center, and whether or not the patient attended the center. Patients were considered to have adhered to treatment if they had attended their appointments within a margin of ± 7 days. Results: A total of 919 patients and 1,073 appointments were included. Eleven mental health units and 40 primary health care centers participated in data collection. In 95.7 % (1,027) of cases, the patients attended the appointment. No differences were found in adherence between drugs or administration frequency. However, differences were found between mental health units and primary health care centers. Patient adherence was slightly higher in mental health units (97.6% vs 91.1%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The high adherence rate shows that the described followup program is effective. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm this trend

Assessment of adherence to treatment with injectable extended-release antipsychotics within a pharmacotherapeutic follow-up program.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an injectable extended-release antipsychotic pharmacotherapeutic follow-up program and to assess  adherence among patients included in the program. METHOD: A coordinated program is described involving hospital and  primary care pharmacy, which included electronic prescription,  reviewing, and dispensing of injectable antipsychotic agents in mental  health and primary health care centers. Adherence to treatment was  assessed in a 1-month prospective observational cross-sectional study  which included all patients under treatment with injectable extended- release antipsychotics in a health area of more than 500,000  inhabitants. The variables collected were: medication administered,  frequency of administration, administration center, and whether or not  the patient attended the center. Patients were considered to have  adhered to treatment if they had attended their appointments within a  margin of ± 7 days. Results: A total of 919 patients and 1,073 appointments were included. Eleven mental health units and 40 primary health care centers participated in data collection. In 95.7 % (1,027) of cases, the  patients attended the appointment. No differences were found in  adherence between drugs or administration frequency. However,  differences were found between mental health units and primary health  care centers. Patient adherence was slightly higher in mental health units (97.6% vs 91.1%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The high adherence rate shows that the described  followup program is effective. Further long-term studies are needed to  confirm this trend.

Objetivo: Describir un programa de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico de antipsicóticos inyectables de liberación prolongada y evaluar la  adherencia de los pacientes incluidos.Método: Se describe un programa de prescripción electrónica,  validación y dispensación de antipsicóticos a unidades de salud mental y  centros de salud, coordinado entre farmacia de hospital y de atención primaria. La adherencia al tratamiento se evaluó mediante un estudio  prospectivo, observacional y transversal de un mes realizado en un área  sanitaria a más de 500.000 habitantes, en el que se incluyeron  todos los pacientes en tratamiento con un antipsicótico inyectable de  liberación prolongada. Las variables recogidas fueron: medicamento  administrado, frecuencia de administración, centro de administración y  si el paciente acudía o no a la administración, considerando que acudía  si lo hacía en ± 7 días. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 919 pacientes y 1.073 consultas programadas. En la recogida de datos participaron 11  unidades de salud mental y 40 centros de salud. En un 95,7% (1.027)  de los casos, los pacientes acudieron a la administración del  antipsicótico inyectable de  liberación prolongada. No se encontraron  diferencias en la adherencia entre los medicamentos ni entre frecuencias  de administración, pero sí con respecto al centro donde se  administraba el medicamento (unidades de salud mental frente a  centros de salud), presentando una ligera mayor adherencia los  pacientes de las unidades de salud mental (97,6% frente al 91,1%; p <  0,001).Conclusiones: La elevada adherencia conseguida revela que el  programa de seguimiento descrito es efectivo. En el futuro son  necesarios estudios de mayor duración que confirmen esta tendencia.

Multidisciplinary teams involved: detection of drug-related problems through continuity of care / Equipos multidisciplinares comprometidos: detección de problemas relacionados con los medicamentos a través de la continuidad asistencial

Objective: To quantify Drug-Related problems (DRPs) by establishing a Strategic Continuity of Care Program (e-Conecta-Concilia Program; e-CC) focused on the drug therapy of patients within an Integrated Management Structure, in order to guarantee the therapeutical efficiency, safety and traceability of patients. Method: A prospective study at 8 months. The project included 22 Hospital Pharmacists and 12 Primary Care Pharmacists. Electronic clinical records were used, which can be accessed by all healthcare levels. Those interventions required in order to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) were carried out (creation of working groups, computing, meeting points), for coordination among pharmacists in different care levels through a common communication system. The working groups formed by pharmacists of both care levels established the following inclusion criteria: patients with chronic diseases and polymedicated, patients for whom drug-related problems (DRP) had been detected, detection of any off-label use in Primary Care, or discrepancies in the standardization of medical prescriptions. Results: In the setting of the e-CC program, interventions were unified and discrepancies were identified. During this project, 245 drug-related problems were detected; the majority regarding inadequate dosing, regimen, or duration (24%), and involving Group B medications (33%), according to the ATC classification. Conclusions: The implementation of a Continuity of Care SOP between pharmacists allowed to detect and solve DRPs and discrepancies in patient pharmacotherapy, with a high rate of acceptance (84.1%) of interventions (AU)

Objetivo: Cuantificar los problemas relacionados con los medicamentos (PRMs) mediante el establecimiento de un Programa Estratégico de Continuidad Asistencial (Programa e-Conecta-Concilia; e-CC) enfocado a la farmacoterapia de los pacientes pertenecientes a una Estructura Organizativa de Gestión Integrada, para garantizar la eficiencia, seguridad y trazabilidad terapéutica del paciente. Método: Estudio prospectivo de 8 meses de duración. Participaron en el proyecto 22 farmacéuticos de hospital y 12 de Atención Primaria. Se utilizó la historia clínica electrónica accesible a todos los niveles. Se llevaron a cabo las actuaciones necesarias para la creación de un procedimiento normalizado de trabajo (PNT) (creación de los grupos de trabajo, informática, puntos de encuentro) de coordinación entre farmacéuticos de diferentes niveles asistenciales con un sistema de comunicación común. Los grupos de trabajo constituidos por farmacéuticos de ambos niveles asistenciales establecieron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y polimedicados, pacientes en los que se detectaba algún PRM, detección en Atención Primaria de un uso fuera de ficha técnica o discrepancias en la homologación de recetas sanitarias. Resultados: En el seno del Programa e-CC se unificaron las intervenciones y se identificaron discrepancias. Durante este proyecto se detectaron 245 problemas relacionados con los medicamentos, siendo los mayoritarios los de dosis, pauta o duración no adecuada (24%) y los que afectaban a los medicamentos del grupo B (33%), según la clasificación ATC. Conclusiones: La implantación de un PNT de Continuidad Asistencial entre farmacéuticos permitió detectar y resolver PRMs y discrepancias en la farmacoterapia de los pacientes, con un alto porcentaje de aceptación (84,1%) de las intervenciones (AU)

Multidisciplinary teams involved: detection of drug-related problems through continuity of care.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify Drug-Related problems (DRPs) by establishing a Strategic Continuity of Care Program (e-Conecta- Concilia Program; e-CC) focused on the drug therapy of patients within an Integrated Management Structure, in order to guarantee the therapeutical efficiency, safety and traceability of patients. METHOD: A prospective study at 8 months. The project included 22 Hospital Pharmacists and 12 Primary Care Pharmacists. Electronic clinical records were used, which can be accessed by all healthcare levels. Those interventions required in order to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) were carried out (creation of working groups, computing, meeting points), for coordination among pharmacists in different care levels through a common communication system. The working groups formed by pharmacists of both care levels established the following inclusion criteria: patients with chronic diseases and polymedicated, patients for whom drug-related problems (DRP) had been detected, detection of any off-label use in Primary Care, or discrepancies in the standardization of medical prescriptions. RESULTS: In the setting of the e-CC program, interventions were unified and discrepancies were identified. During this project, 245 drug-related problems were detected; the majority regarding inadequate dosing, regimen, or duration (24%), and involving Group B medications (33%), according to the ATC classification. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a Continuity of Care SOP between pharmacists allowed to detect and solve DRPs and discrepancies in patient pharmacotherapy, with a high rate of acceptance (84.1%) of interventions.

Objetivo: Cuantificar los problemas relacionados con los medicamentos (PRMs) mediante el establecimiento de un Programa Estratégico de Continuidad Asistencial (Programa e-Conecta-Concilia; e-CC) enfocado a la farmacoterapia de los pacientes pertenecientes a una Estructura Organizativa de Gestión Integrada, para garantizar la eficiencia, seguridad y trazabilidad terapéutica del paciente. Método: Estudio prospectivo de 8 meses de duración. Participaron en el proyecto 22 farmacéuticos de hospital y 12 de Atención Primaria. Se utilizó la historia clínica electrónica accesible a todos los niveles. Se llevaron a cabo las actuaciones necesarias para la creación de un procedimiento normalizado de trabajo (PNT) (creación de los grupos de trabajo, informática, puntos de encuentro) de coordinación entre farmacéuticos de diferentes niveles asistenciales con un sistema de comunicación común. Los grupos de trabajo constituidos por farmacéuticos de ambos niveles asistenciales establecieron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y polimedicados, pacientes en los que se detectaba algún PRM, detección en Atención Primaria de un uso fuera de ficha técnica o discrepancias en la homologación de recetas sanitarias. Resultados: En el seno del Programa e-CC se unificaron las intervenciones y se identificaron discrepancias. Durante este proyecto se detectaron 245 problemas relacionados con los medicamentos, siendo los mayoritarios los de dosis, pauta o duración no adecuada (24%) y los que afectaban a los medicamentos del grupo B (33%), según la clasificación ATC. Conclusiones: La implantación de un PNT de Continuidad Asistencial entre farmacéuticos permitió detectar y resolver PRMs y discrepancias en la farmacoterapia de los pacientes, con un alto porcentaje de aceptación (84,1%) de las intervenciones.

Inappropriate prescribing according to the STOPP/START criteria in older people from a primary care setting.

BACKGROUND: STOPP (screening tool of older persons' prescriptions)/START (screening tool to alert doctors to right treatment) criteria aim to identify potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) due to mis-, over- and under-prescription in older patients. Initially developed by Irish experts, their applicability has been demonstrated in primary health care (PHC). OBJECTIVE: To quantify and identify the most frequent PIM at PHC level using STOPP/START criteria. To identify factors that may modulate the onset of PIM. METHODS: Audit of a random sample of 272 electronic health records (including prescription, diagnosis and laboratory results) of patients ≥ 65 years old, with at least one prescription in the last three months, from a PHC setting in the Vigo Health Authority (Spain). Original STOPP/START criteria were used, as well as a version adapted to Spanish PHC. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models were applied. RESULTS: The median number of medicines per patient was 5 (inter-quartile range: 3-7). The prevalence of PIM identified by the STOPP criteria was 37.5% and 50.7%, with the original criteria and the Spanish version, respectively. Using both versions of the START tool, the prevalence of under-prescription was 45.9% and 43.0%, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the number of STOPP PIM and number of prescriptions, and between the number of START PIM with Charlson comorbidity index and number of prescriptions. Of 87 criteria, 20 accounted for 80% of PIM. CONCLUSION: According to STOPP/START criteria, there is a high level of PIM in PHC setting. To prevent PIM occurring, action must be taken.